Wheel true? Or something else?

TheBigPL

Hi, I'm new to road cycling but am loving it! I do have a question that i'm hoping someone can help with - i couldn't find a similar example in the forum.

I've noticed a bit of brake rubbing on my front wheel after a ride this weekend. If i hold the wheel in line with the frame it's a slight rubbing on the right side (no obvious buckle), if i stand the bike on it's back wheel and tilt it to 90 degress as if turning right i still get a slight rubbing but if i turn it the other way the rubbing becomes more severe and enough to prevent the free movement of the wheel. I've taken the wheel off and reseated it and get the same.

I'm keen to learn about maintaining my own bike but want to know if this is something i can fix myself with a spoke key (and youtube!) or more severe requring a visit to my LBS?

flasher

From what you've said it sounds like the brake needs to be re-centered.

fenix

It could be that your blocks are running too close to the rim if the wheel isnt buckled but just flexing under effort ?
Or is the front brake not centred properly and too close to one side ?

Is it that the cable is pulling the brake on when you turn it in the air ?

Your wheel may have a slight buckle - its easy to treat though - get a spoke key and turn the spoke nearest the buckle a half turn or so - it should then clear the brake block. Clockwise or anticlock - its obvious which way makes it better and which makes it worse.

Then go to the spokes either side of it and turn them the same amount in the opposite direction.

Repeat if necessary.

TheBigPL

Thanks both, you've given me confidence to have a stab at it myself...

The brakes looked pretty central but to be honest i was focused on the wheel more than them. I did hit a bit of a pot hole - could that knock the brakes off too? Didn't even consider that turning one way could be pulling the cable slightly! I bet it is that now you mention it....

I'll check the brakes first and then have a go at the spokes tonight.

Bobbinogs

Flasher wrote:

From what you've said it sounds like the brake needs to be re-centered.

Probably this ^. If you have a spoke key, I suggest you find a good safe place for it and just leave it there

Monty Dog

Firstly, check the wheel is firmly in the drop-outs i.e. release QR and press down on wheel to 'seat' it correctly and retighten QR. Is the rim touching the brake in one spot or all the way around? If it's all the way around, try slackening the brake caliper retainer nut on the back of the fork - usually 5mm Allen key - pull on the brake lever firmly and retighten the securing nut. If that doesn't work, then there is usually a small grub-screw on each arm of the caliper above the brake block - on the side that is rubbing, give it a half-turn to see if it fixes it? If one-spot, it might be a slight buckle and may require a tweak of a spoke key to sort - probably best needs the attention of a competent mechanic if you've never done this before.

fenix

Any resolution ?